rooted with apple seeds.

This year, we set out to formally establish a meaningful and intentional approach to becoming further rooted in our community by supporting a well-aligned nonprofit partner with resources, volunteer hours, in-kind support, and a well-meaning team. Our search led us to Apple Seeds, whose mission is to inspire healthy living through garden-based education and whose programs educate and excite young students about healthy food and increase students' access to those healthy foods.

A few weeks ago, we kicked off our partnership with the Apple Seeds teaching farm in Fayetteville with a farm tour and a delicious lunch by Chef Haley O'Brien. This event introduced our team to the farm, their work, their mission, and the value they bring to the community. Starting this week, our team will begin our support efforts with small, rotating groups of volunteers for their produce harvest and farm lab programs each week.

We have also sponsored Apple Seeds' largest fundraiser of the year, An Evening at the Farm, a curated, seasonal dining experience with a different chef featured for each course using produce from their garden or locally procured ingredients. This enchanting event will be held on Saturday, October 8th, and is already sold out. To be added to the waitlist and notified when there is an opening, visit their website.